AudioSmile Launches Refined Little British Monitor
AudioSmile, the brand of designer and maker Simon Ashton, has reached out to audioXpress to let us know about the release of a new version of the Little British Monitor (LBM), a successor to its previous (and highly praised) LBM and LBM MK2 models. Far more than a simple iteration, the new LBM (MK3) is a ground-up redesign to achieve the very best performance in a desktop-sized active speaker package. Available as both a finished product or a build-you-own kit.
Steinberg Releases Cubase 14 Music Production Software
Steinberg has announced the immediate availability of Cubase 14, an update to the popular music production-oriented DAW, adding significant new features and enhancements that the company says are "designed to inspire." Cubase 14 adds innovative new features for music creation, audio optimization, scoring, and effects that make composing, producing, and mixing more inspirational than ever.
Test Bench: Scan-Speak D3004/606200 Tweeter from Its Illuminator Line
The Scan-Speak D3004/606200 is a 1" compact tweeter from its Illuminator Line, and features the new generation of Metamodal TPCD diaphragms. Scan-Speak has been participating in Composite Sound's metamodal development program, and the new D3404 tweeter is the first to be released. It features a low resonance, injection-molded rear chamber, SD-2 neodymium motor, large-roll coated cloth surround, and black anodized machined aluminum faceplate. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, July 2024.
Joachim Gerhard on Low Noise Phono Stages: Design Considerations and Circuit Topologies
Ask audio industry insiders and audiophiles alike about Joachim Gerhard, and chances are that they mention the many high performance speakers he designed over the years, initially for Audio Physic, currently for Suesskind Audio. But Gerhard also has a great track record designing phono preamps. This interview explores that aspect of Joachim’s career. In the first part of this interview Joachim discusses the design considerations and circuit topologies for low noise phono stages, culminating in his very low noise and Flexible Phono Stage (FPS) design. This article was originally published in audioXpress, September 2024.
OmniBuds Hearables Project by Nokia Bell Labs Backed by Cambridge Future Tech
OmniBuds are the world's first hearables designed to continuously monitor all 5 vital signs, complemented by state-of-the-art augmented hearing capabilities. Conceived by Nokia Bell Labs in Cambridge, UK, the OmniBuds project is now receiving further support from venture builder Cambridge Future Tech. The company entered into a relationship with Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Ventures & Partnerships to establish OmniBuds Ltd for the commercialization of the OmniBuds platform, as a fully featured ear-worn AI/ML computing platform.
HEAD acoustics Improves Efficiency of End-of-Line Tests
HEAD acoustics is setting new standards in end-of-line (EoL) testing with a new modular test system that combines the company's AQuire V4 hardware front-end with its AI-supported conTEST software for efficient analysis. According to the German company, this state-of-the-art solution allows manufacturers to implement real-time pass/fail decisions with increased process reliability, and improved vibroacoustic product quality.
WiiM Amp Pro Receives Roon Ready Certification
WiiM announced that Roon Labs has certified the WiiM Amp Pro as Roon Ready, expanding even more the options already available from the integrated streaming amplifier. Now with Roon Ready integration, the Amp Pro is able to become a network player with Roon’s own streaming technology, over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. With no configuration required, the certified WiiM Amp Pro will also discover any other Roon Ready devices on the same network and work for synchronized multiroom configurations.
Eclipse Audio Updates FIR Designer and Adds Support for AFMG, Storm Audio, LabGruppen IPX and Audio Weaver
Eclipse Audio continues to expand its partnerships and software, allowing the use of FIR filtering in DSP-driven loudspeakers, for loudspeaker design, live tuning, and system integration. The company founded by Michael John in 2016 now announced that its FIR Designer M (multichannel) software now has capabilities to build up to 6-way presets. Like the single channel FIR Designer, FIR Designer M now also added new branded IIR modes and expanded support with more DSP tools.
Global Sources 2024 Hong Kong Shows With Record Number of Exhibitors and Less Visitors
The October 2024 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows at AsiaWorld-Expo have concluded after an intense month of activities. The three-phase show program, spanning multiple sectors including Consumer Electronics, Electronic Components, Smart Home, Lifestyle, Sports & Outdoor, and Baby & Children, attracted nearly 5,000 premium Asian suppliers and showcased over 500,000 innovative products, setting a new record for exhibitor participation.
Alango Unveils Sound Processing Module for Qualcomm S7 SoC
Alango Technologies announced a new digital sound processing module for Qualcomm's Bluetooth SoCs, including the latest S7 Gen1 Sound platform that features five times the compute power, three times the DSP processing power, and almost 100 times on-device AI processing power compared to previous solutions. According to Alango, this first to market platform offers a pre-integrated, ready-to-use modular solution for the latest generation of hearables and advanced audio designs.